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kabiyak

spouse; partner in life; half

noun ka-BI-yak Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Kabiyak is a poetic and affectionate term for one's spouse or life partner, often used in formal speeches, wedding toasts, and literary writing. Derived from biyak (split, half), it conveys the romantic notion that a partner is one's other half — more tender than the neutral asawa and less formal than katuwang-buhay.

Examples

Beginner

" Mahal ko ang aking kabiyak. "

Natural Translation

I love my spouse.

Literal Translation

Love I the my spouse.

Intermediate

" Ikaw ang aking kabiyak-ng-puso magpakailanman. "

Natural Translation

You are my other half forever.

Literal Translation

You the my partner-of-heart forever.

Advanced

" Sa kanyang talumpati, ipinakilala ng lalaki ang kanyang kabiyak bilang katuwang sa lahat ng hirap at saya ng buhay. "

Natural Translation

In his speech, the man introduced his spouse as a partner in all the hardships and joys of life.

Literal Translation

In his speech, introduced the man the his spouse as partner in all of hardship and joy of life.

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